Delhi

Gurugram-based developer Tulip Infrastructure Private Limited has moved court against the MCG’s move to seal the gates of two of its residential societies in Sector 70. In its plea filed on Monday, the developer has termed the move “illegal”, and the residents of the twin societies became a party to the case on Thursday demanding that the gates should be unsealed immediately.

On November 23, the MCG sealed the gates of Tulip Purple and Tulip Violet over non-payment of property taxes by the developer. Civic body officials claimed that the societies’ gates had been sealed partially so that residents’ movement was not completely restricted. The developer is ready to clear the pending taxes but does not want to pay the 18% interest charged on the dues, calling it unjust.

During the first hearing on Thursday, the corporation argued that instead of moving court, the developer should have first approached the divisional commissioner against the notices issued by the MCG with regard to pending taxes. The developer countered saying they hadn’t filed the petition against the notices but the sealing of the gates. The next hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday.

According to MCG officials, the developer owed around Rs 40 lakh to the corporation as tax dues for four societies, including Tulip Purple and Tulip Violet.

“The taxes are due since the time these societies were under construction, and we will not take off the seals unless the dues are cleared,” said an MCG official.

Though initially the residents had blamed the developer for the inconvenience caused, they are now objecting to the way MCG has gone about the whole process.

“We are not favouring anyone in this case. We have only pleaded the court to order that the seal be taken off as it is impacting our daily movement,” said Sumit Gulati, one of the residents. He added in case of an emergency, such as a fire, the seal might pose serious hurdle.

A developer is required to pay property taxes till the project is under construction.

After the completion of the property, the developer is responsible for submitting the details of the flat owners so that the corporation can update the database and raise demands accordingly. However, in the case of Tulip, the corporation did not receive details of the flat owners from the developer, claimed an MCG official.